Abuse in childhood (self-help)

Abuse can mean neglect or it can be physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The effects of abuse may last a short time or a very long time. They include:

*disturbing or confusing thoughts, feelings and memories

*emotional difficulties such as anger, anxiety, sadness or low self-esteem

*mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders

*post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including flashbacks

* self harm and suicidal thought

* finding relationships or communication difficult

* behavioural problems

*difficulties with addictions or breaking the law.

In the end, though, this is not only about symptoms and labels. It is about how you feel as a person.

If you suffer from trauma symptoms, and even if you don’t, please think carefully about what to watch and read before clicking on a link. Learning when to challenge yourself a little and when to protect yourself is an important part of managing your self-care.

This explains how abusers manipulate us into false beliefs about what is happening to us. This can be useful in unpicking what is and isn’t true about the abuse. This is one of my favourites because I don’t know who else addresses the issue quite like this.

The full resource web-page from NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood). NAPAC offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.

Self-help guides from SARSAS(Somerset & Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support). SARSAS is a specialist support service based in the west of England. However, their on-line resources are freely available to all.